Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Capone Bege's Decision
"Can we not bring this up...?"
Dragon's expression darkened.
It was clear he didn't want Karl to continue mentioning the topic.
Although Karl didn't actually know how Dragon had gotten those scars on his face, judging by his reaction, Karl felt confident in his guess.
"Alright, I won't mention it again. But in return, stop insisting that I join you in whatever you're planning.
There's no room for discussion between us. It's simply impossible!"
"You're still so unyielding. But fine, I didn't come here solely to recruit you. I came to borrow someone from you."
Dragon had anticipated Karl's refusal, so his earlier attempts were merely to test the waters.
After all, what if Karl actually agreed?
Even if he didn't, it didn't matter—Dragon's true purpose lay elsewhere.
"Capone Bege has great potential. I know he's under your command, but I want to recruit him into the Revolutionary Army.
Right now, the Revolutionary Army is still growing. I plan to establish a new unit and make him the captain of the First Division…"
"Impossible! Capone Bege is a crucial part of my plans!
I will never hand him over, no matter what you offer!"
"That's right! I, Capone Bege, live for Lord Karl and will die for Lord Karl!"
After Karl firmly stated his position, Capone Bege immediately followed up, stepping resolutely behind Karl without the slightest hesitation.
Seeing this, Dragon sighed and clapped his hands lightly.
"As expected of you, Karl. I anticipated this outcome, but I didn't expect his loyalty to be this unwavering.
Still, I have to try. Capone Bege, are you sure you won't reconsider?
The terms I offer won't be any worse than Karl's, and you wouldn't have to disband your Red Church. It would remain under your management."
"Sorry, Mr. Dragon. While your ideals are admirable, I believe Lord Karl can lead us to a better future.
That said, I do wish your revolution success. After all, we're fighting for the same cause. Even if we're not allies on the battlefield, we can still support each other."
Capone Bege's words were tactful. Not only did he refuse Dragon's offer, but he also managed to draw their relationship closer.
He wasn't eager to offend Dragon outright. After all, unlike Karl, Capone Bege didn't have the confidence to face Dragon without flinching.
Thus, he carefully chose his words.
After all, speaking and negotiating were his strengths.
"Very well. Since that's your decision, I won't press further. But, Karl, I do hope you'll assist me with another matter.
Could you find a few scholars to help educate my Revolutionary Army?
While our forces are growing, the majority come from the lower classes. Fewer than one-tenth have received formal education.
If you help me with this small favor, consider it a debt I owe you."
"No problem. Capone Bege can…"
Karl paused mid-sentence, his attention caught by a figure peeking around the doorway.
It was Robin.
An idea struck him. If he placed Robin with the Revolutionary Army for training, she might grow even faster.
Moreover, Robin possessed the ability to decipher Poneglyphs.
Keeping her in the West Blue would stifle her potential and limit her growth. She might never become the brilliant "Demon Child" she was destined to be.
"Robin, stop peeking and come in. Let me introduce someone to you."
Karl waved her over.
Blushing, Robin shyly stepped into the room, avoiding eye contact.
"Karl-nii… Who is this man? His eyes are so intimidating.
And that big-headed person… are they a man or a woman? They look so strange!"
Hearing Robin's questions, Karl ruffled her hair and introduced Dragon and Emporio Ivankov.
When he finished explaining who Dragon was, Robin's eyes lit up with admiration.
"You're the one who founded the Revolutionary Army and openly opposes the World Government—the world's most dangerous criminal, Monkey D. Dragon?"
"That's me," Dragon replied, pride evident in his tone.
Karl rolled his eyes and said, "Robin, would you be interested in leading a group of scholars to educate the Revolutionary Army?
If you stay with them for a few years, not only will you help with their literacy, but you'll also learn a lot yourself.
Most importantly, you've always wanted to uncover ancient knowledge. Staying here won't let you achieve that dream.
But if you go with Dragon, it'll be a different story.
Of course, it's your choice. If you don't want to go, I won't force you. Following him will be dangerous—you could die on the battlefield at any moment."
Karl gently ruffled Robin's hair.
She hesitated, clearly torn.
Karl was right—remaining on the island wouldn't allow her to pursue her dream of uncovering ancient truths.
But following Dragon would mean venturing into the wider seas, including the Grand Line.
It was a dangerous path, especially given her current lack of strength.
"Her? Karl, are you serious? She knows how to study history?"
Dragon was skeptical. He hadn't expected Karl to suggest a young girl, let alone one with aspirations to study history.
From their conversation, though, it seemed she genuinely understood how to interpret historical texts.
"Yes, I'm recommending her. But it's up to Robin to decide.
Also, you must have realized that this island is home to the survivors of Ohara, right?"
"Yes, I know that. But what does that have to do with her?"
Dragon frowned in confusion. Karl gently nudged Robin forward.
"Her name is Nico Robin."
"Nico Robin? What's your relation to Nico Olvia?!"
Dragon was stunned upon hearing her full name.
Robin looked at him, puzzled.
"That's my mother. Do you… know her?"
"What a small world…"
Dragon gazed at Robin in amazement, then knelt to her level, softly cupping her face.
"You look just like her—your eyes, your features, everything.
Unfortunately, I couldn't reach her in time. She was captured by the Marines before I could help.
In some ways, the destruction of Ohara is partially my fault.
If I'd been more insistent about her joining the Revolutionary Army, perhaps Ohara wouldn't have been destroyed.
Her work on the Poneglyphs might never have been exposed."
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